Carol is a second-year Masters student in the M.A. in International Affairs program at the Elliott School, concentrating on Global Gender Policy. She received her bachelor’s degree in International Security and Conflict Resolution at San Diego State University in 2021. Carol is originally from Brazil and speaks Portuguese and Spanish fluently. She is particularly interested in the Latin American Caribbean region, and hopes to work in the field of international development upon graduation. She is currently consulting for National Coordinating Coalition, a non-profit organization based in Guyana, doing research work on gender-based violence against Venezuelan migrants. She also has experience in anti-corruption & governance and refugees policy during her time working at Center for International Private Enterprise and International Rescue Committee. Carol enjoys traveling, trying new food, and recording for her own podcast.

When did you realize you wanted an international career? What led you to choose the Elliott School?

What led me to choose Elliott School was their commitment to diversity, and their desire to help students to succeed. Being an international student, I wanted to be part of a community that reinforces the importance of inclusion, cultural awareness, and diversity. The Elliott School not only promotes that, but also helps their students to network, connect with different professionals, and provide important services for graduate students such as mock interviews, help building resumes, and network events.

Where would you like to be, career wise, 5 years from now?

Five years from now, I’d like to be working for an international organization and conducting development work in a developing country in Latin America & the Caribbean. My goal is to use my background in gender policy, education, and migrants to help promote peace and conflict resolution. Nonetheless, I want to help people understand the importance of education and gender equality and I hope to do that by speaking up about diversity, intercultural communication, and social justice.

What has been your most rewarding academic experience at the Elliott School and why?

I believe one of the most rewarding academic experiences has been volunteering at the International Monetary Fund in 2022. I was one of the few international students accepted to take part of that event and it was a great opportunity to see the inside of the IMF, meet new people, and attend a lot of different conferences.

Describe the pros and cons of being a full-time or part-time student at the Elliott School.

The pros of being a full-time student at the Elliott School is that we have classes at night so students can have the entire day to work or intern. The Elliott School promotes an easy environment for communication and assistance. In that way, you can for instance network while also taking advantage of your classes, or have a social life while going to school

What advice do you have for incoming students who are starting to think about internship and work opportunities?

My advice is to start connecting with people, and reaching out to different workers! When I moved to DC, I reached out to GW alumni, and did a lot of research. It’s important to ask questions about themselves instead of only asking for assistance. Also, it’s crucial to take advantage of events and conferences in Washington, D.C. I’ve participated in the IMF Annual Meeting, IACC, COP 27 virtually, Counterpart International Summit, and many other events in addition to the ones promoted by GW. 

Want to connect with current Elliott School students and alumni? Click here to see how!

Find out more about this program by creating a CustomViewbook!

Join us for an information session, RSVP here!

Click here to apply to the Elliott School!

Twitter · Facebook · Instagram

The #WeAreElliott profile series is managed by the Elliott School Office of Graduate Admissions and highlights current students to answer common questions posed by prospective, incoming, and current students. For more information on this series or to submit questions, e-mail the Office of Graduate Admissions at esiagrad@gwu.edu.

The views expressed by students profiled do not necessarily represent those of organizations they work for, are affiliated with, or the Elliott School of International Affairs.